Bangladesh vs Kenya
Bangladesh has a population of 169.8M, compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Bangladesh is 3.2 times more populous than Kenya. Economically, Bangladesh ($450.1B) has a GDP 3.7 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Kenya covers 580,367 km², 3.9 times larger than Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Life expectancy in Bangladesh stands at 74.7 years, 11.0 years higher than Kenya's 63.6 years.
BangladeshKenya| Population | +218.4%169.8M | -68.6%53.3M |
| Area | -74.6%147,570 km² | +293.3%580,367 km² |
| GDP | +274.0%$450.1B | -73.3%$120.3B |
| GDP Per Capita | +21.6%$2,593.416 | -17.8%$2,132.435 |
| Life Expectancy | +17.3%74.7 yrs | -14.8%63.6 yrs |
| Infant Mortality | -29.7%24.4 | +42.2%34.7 |
| Literacy Rate | — | — |
| Unemployment | -30.7%3.8% | +44.2%5.4% |
| Capital | Dhaka | Nairobi |
| Region | Asia | Africa |
| Languages | Bengali | English, Swahili |
| Currencies | BDT (৳) | KES (Sh) |
Last updated: March 2026
All data sourced from World Bank Open Data (2025) and REST Countries API. Economic data may reflect most recent available year.
Population Comparison
Bangladesh is 3.2 times more populous than Kenya, with 169.8M residents compared to 53.3M. Bangladesh is among the world's 15 most populous countries, while Kenya is among the world's 30 most populous countries. In terms of population density, Bangladesh averages 1,151 people per km² (dense), while Kenya averages 92 people per km² (moderate). Population growth rate data is not available for either country over the past decade.
Economy Comparison
Bangladesh is classified as a lower-middle-income economy, while Kenya is classified as a lower-middle-income economy. The Bangladesh economy ($450.1B) is 3.7 times larger than Kenya's ($120.3B). Bangladesh's GDP per capita of $2,593.416 is 77% below the regional average of 11,200 for Asia. Kenya's GDP per capita of $2,132.435 is near the regional average of 2,200 for Africa. On a per-capita basis, residents of Bangladesh are on average 1.2 times wealthier than those in Kenya.
Health & Quality of Life
Life expectancy in Bangladesh is 74.7 years, compared to 63.6 years in Kenya, a gap of 11.0 years. Bangladesh (74.7 years) is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kenya (63.6 years) is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years. At 34.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, Kenya's infant mortality is 42% higher than Bangladesh's 24.4.
Geographic Comparison
Kenya (580,367 km²) is 3.9 times larger by land area than Bangladesh (147,570 km²). Bangladesh shares borders with 2 countries, while Kenya borders 5 countries. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone, compared to Kenya's 1 timezone. Bangladesh lies in Asia, while Kenya is located in Africa. Bangladesh is categorized within the Asia region (Southern Asia), whereas Kenya belongs to Africa (Eastern Africa).
Key Differences
The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Kenya is in land area: Bangladesh's 147,570 km² compared to Kenya's 580,367 km² represents a 75% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Kenya is in GDP: Bangladesh's $450.1B compared to Kenya's $120.3B represents a 73% gap. The most significant difference between Bangladesh and Kenya is in population: Bangladesh's 169.8M compared to Kenya's 53.3M represents a 69% gap. These disparities reflect the broader structural differences between Bangladesh's lower-middle-income economy and Kenya's lower-middle-income economy.
At a Glance: What the Numbers Mean
Living Standards
Bangladesh has a GDP per capita of $2,593.416, which is 1.2x that of Kenya ($2,132.435). This gap reflects differences in economic development, industrial structure, and workforce productivity. In practical terms, average purchasing power in Bangladesh is significantly higher, though cost of living differences partially offset the raw income gap.
Population Density
Bangladesh is 12.5x more densely populated than Kenya (1151 vs 92 people per km²). Higher density typically correlates with more urbanization, greater demand for public transit, and higher housing costs. Kenya's lower density suggests more rural land use and potentially lower urban congestion.
Healthcare and Longevity
Citizens of Bangladesh live an average of 11.0 years longer than those of Kenya (74.7 vs 63.6 years). This gap reflects differences in healthcare access, nutrition, public health infrastructure, and environmental factors. This is a substantial gap that suggests significant differences in healthcare systems and overall living conditions.
Economic Momentum
Kenya's economy grew at 4.7% compared to Bangladesh's 4.2%. Both countries show healthy growth, though Kenya has a modest edge in economic dynamism.
Travel Comparison
Bangladesh vs Kenya for Families
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly attractions, though Bangladesh's higher GDP per capita typically correlates with better tourist infrastructure, public transport, and English-language availability.
Bangladesh vs Kenya for Budget Travelers
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better value in specific categories such as intercity transport or package deals. Shoulder season travel in either country helps reduce costs further.
Bangladesh vs Kenya for Retirees
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, climate preferences, and proximity to international airports. Both countries have established expat communities, though the specific visa options and healthcare quality vary by region within each country.
Bangladesh vs Kenya Cost of Living
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significantly by city within each country. Major urban centers in Kenya can approach or exceed average costs in Bangladesh's smaller cities.
Bangladesh vs Kenya for Digital Nomads
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote income. Both countries have growing digital nomad communities, though specific visa requirements for remote workers differ and should be verified before committing to a longer stay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is bigger, Bangladesh or Kenya by population?
Bangladesh is larger by population, with 169.8M residents compared to Kenya's 53.3M. Bangladesh is 3.2 times more populous than Kenya.
Which country has a higher GDP, Bangladesh or Kenya?
Bangladesh has the higher GDP at $450.1B, compared to Kenya's $120.3B. Bangladesh's economy is 3.7 times larger.
How does life expectancy compare between Bangladesh and Kenya?
Bangladesh has a higher life expectancy at 74.7 years, compared to Kenya's 63.6 years. The gap between the two countries is 11.0 years. Bangladesh's life expectancy is 2.7 years above the global average of 72 years, while Kenya's is 8.4 years below the global average of 72 years.
Which country is larger by area, Bangladesh or Kenya?
Kenya is larger by land area, covering 580,367 km² compared to Bangladesh's 147,570 km². Kenya is 3.9 times larger than Bangladesh.
What languages are spoken in Bangladesh and Kenya?
Bangladesh recognizes the following official language: Bengali. Kenya recognizes: English, Swahili. The two countries do not share an official language.
Which country has lower inflation, Bangladesh or Kenya?
Kenya has lower inflation at 4.5%, compared to Bangladesh's 10.5%. Kenya's inflation is moderately elevated above the global median of 3.5%, while Bangladesh's rate is significantly above stable levels, at 3.0 times the global median.
Is Bangladesh or Kenya better for a family holiday?
For family travel, Bangladesh generally edges ahead due to lower infant mortality (24.4 vs 34.7 per 1,000), which is a useful proxy for healthcare infrastructure and child safety. Kenya offers its own advantages, including more geographic diversity for road trips. Both countries have family-friendly...
Is Bangladesh or Kenya cheaper to visit?
Kenya is typically the more budget-friendly destination, with a GDP per capita of $2,132.435 translating to lower prices for accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget travelers in Kenya can expect to spend significantly less per day than in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh may offer better val...
Is Bangladesh or Kenya better for retirement?
Bangladesh's life expectancy of 74.7 years suggests stronger healthcare infrastructure, which is a key factor for retirees. Kenya may offer a lower cost of living, which stretches pension income further. Key considerations for retirees include visa and residency requirements, healthcare access, clim...
Is Bangladesh or Kenya more expensive to live in?
Bangladesh's GDP per capita is 1.2x that of Kenya, which generally correlates with a higher cost of living. Housing, dining out, and services tend to be more expensive in Bangladesh, while Kenya offers more purchasing power per dollar for everyday expenses. However, cost of living varies significant...
Is Bangladesh or Kenya better for digital nomads?
For digital nomads choosing between Bangladesh and Kenya, key factors include internet infrastructure, visa policies, cost of living, and timezone compatibility with clients. Bangladesh spans 1 timezone while Kenya covers 1. Kenya's lower cost of living makes it attractive for stretching remote inco...